The U.S. State Department on January 12, 2026, issued an urgent security advisory directing all American citizens in Iran to “leave Iran now,” citing rapidly escalating nationwide unrest that has seen an intense crackdown by Iranian authorities and mounting casualties. The advisory, posted by the United States Virtual Embassy for Iran, warns that conditions on the ground have deteriorated sharply, with demonstrations across the country continuing to escalate and the potential for further violence and disruption rising. 

In the alert, U.S. officials emphasized that protests “may turn violent,” and that increased security measures, road closures, and ongoing internet restrictions have made travel and communication within Iran increasingly hazardous. American citizens were advised to develop departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance, given the absence of formal diplomatic presence in Tehran. :

The advisory also notes that airlines continue to limit or cancel flights to and from Iran, and urges U.S. nationals to consider leaving by land, if safe to do so, via neighboring countries such as Armenia or Türkiye. The alert warns that U.S.-Iranian dual nationals must exit Iran using Iranian passports, as Iranian authorities do not recognize dual citizenship and would otherwise treat them solely as Iranian citizens, increasing the risk of detention. 

The warning comes amid one of the most violent waves of protests in the country’s recent history. According to multiple activist groups tracking the situation, the death toll from the anti-government demonstrations has climbed significantly, with some estimates of more than 2,000 fatalities as unrest spreads from economic grievances to broader political demands. 

President Donald Trump has been briefed on the escalating situation and has indicated that a wide range of response options—including diplomatic, economic, cyber, and potential military measures—is under active review. International concern has grown as the crises unfold, with foreign governments and human rights organizations condemning the crackdown and calling for restraint. 

In addition to safety risks from violent clashes, Iranian authorities have imposed near-nationwide communication blackouts intended to disrupt the flow of independent information, further complicating evacuation efforts and situational awareness for foreigners in the country.